Eight Nextel Cup drivers and two Busch drivers will lead all NASCAR fans in the American Heroes Memorial Day salute to the armed forces on Sunday, May 27th, at Lowe's Motor Speedway to kick off a nationwide effort to raise significant funds for military families in need. It is the largest military tribute in history by NASCAR drivers.

Participating drivers include Greg Biffle, Ward Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Shane Huffman, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Casey Mears and Jon Wood. Each will drive a specially designed car supporting a branch of the American military or one of the military support organizations.

The pre-race festivities at the Coca-Cola 600 will feature General Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. He is the first Marine to serve as the Chairman.

The American Heroes Memorial Day Tribute is being supported by Sprint Nextel, which will conduct a national fundraising campaign to encourage Sprint Nextel customers to support the troops with their donations to the USO. By texting 67783 on their Sprint Nextel phones, customers can sign up to contribute to the campaign and receive the donation forms via email.

Diecast models and officially licensed merchandise of the participating drivers will be available for sale at Motorsports Authentics trailers at Lowe's Motor Speedway beginning this weekend and online at www.goracing.com right now. Wal-Mart stores will feature the licensed merchandise in July.

Four major organizations will work together to promote the American Heroes Memorial Day Tribute and support the event fundraising efforts - the USO, America Supports You, Speedway Children's Charities, and the Special Operations Hero Fund.

Lowe's Motor Speedway, Sprint Nextel, Motorsports Authentics, Victory Management Group and the NASCAR teams and their respective sponsors developed the program. JHE Productions and Lowe's Motor Speedway will collaborate to create a fantastic pre-race tribute presentation.